Choosing an agency affiliation is one of the most important decisions that every new licensee must make. Agents sometimes get into a pattern of switching agencies on a regular basis, trying to find the elusive “perfect” place to work. There is nothing wrong with moving on when an agency isn't what you expected it to be, but because stability helps past clients find you, staying put translates to dollars in your pocket. You'll be ahead of the game if you choose carefully the first time and find a firm that suits your short-and long-term needs.

You have probably made a mental list of agencies to consider. As you progressed through licensing school, that list might have shrunk or grown as you networked with other students and licensed agents. If everyone makes the same negative comments about a specific agency, you can assume that at least some of the concerns are valid. However, don't discount an agency if only one person has a problem with the company.

Hopefully you have been paying attention to local real estate ads and for sale signs. Are there a few agencies that appear to have the majority of area listings? Firms that dominate your area market aren't necessarily the best places for a new agent to work, but their presence in the real estate market makes them agencies to at least consider.

You'll feel more comfortable asking and answering questions if you arrive for interviews with a basic understanding of each agency's public image, including its advertising practices and reputation in the community. Start narrowing down your list, asking yourself the following questions:

• Which firms produce professional-looking, interesting ads?

• Which firms have a good Internet presence?

• Which firms provide handouts at local visitor's centers or Chambers of Commerce?

• Do firms provide agent contact information within ads, making it easy for people to find you?

• Do any firms advertise on television or on the radio?

• Which firms offer training?

• What is the atmosphere of the office?

• Do they have a high agent turnover rate, or do people have a tendency to stay there?

• How are the phones handled? Do you get a machine or a real person when you call? Are they friendly and helpful?

• What is the broker like? The manager? Are they approachable?

• What type of market share does the office have?

• How do they handle referrals? Do they go to the top producer of the office or does everyone have an opportunity?

Pay close attention to every aspect of an agency's image, as well as its working environment to help determine which one might fit best with your own ideals.

assess Your Needs

If you live in a small town, where every agency sells real estate throughout the area, a real estate firm's location might not matter to you. Agents in larger cities might prefer to work with a company that specializes in neighborhoods that are either close to their homes or in other areas they are very familiar with.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Must I work close to home in order to be near my children, pets, or other family members who need care?

• Is there a specific area of town that I know well and would feel most confident working in?

• Do I have more potential client contacts in one area than in others?

Evaluate your personal needs in order to narrow down the number of firms you would like to consider.